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much to encourage young people to use their leisure more
actively, to combat the passive past-times of car riding and
television. The popularity of first ‘rock-and roll’ and then
the ‘twist’ is perhaps a significant sign that youth needs an
outlet for its physical energy. Parents as well as teachers can
all help by ensuring that unoccupied leisure time is not due
to ignorance of what else is available.
These more recreational activities take a great deal of
time as they are best presented to small groups in out of
school hours. Much valuable help on this side is given by
teachers who are not physical education specialists, and this
is greatly appreciated.
Ten primary and five secondary schools received swimming
instruction during the summer term, and four primary
schools were able to swim throughout the year. The number
of fatalities each year through drowning is tragic, and it is
reassuring to note so many of the schools protect their children
by teaching them to swim, but the need for a covered
swimming bath in this area is still an urgent one. Without
the ability to swim all the fascinating water sports will be
denied to them in later life.
The constant help and co-operation of the Borough
Education Officer and his staff is much appreciated by the
Physical Education advisers, and also the work of those
teachers who, despite difficulties, strive to maintain high standards
of work, behaviour, dress and attitude, without which
everything is worthless."
Swimming—1961.
The closed-in Baths at Eltham, Plumstead and Woolwich
and the open-air Baths at Eltham Park, Danson Park and
Martens Grove were used during the Summer Term, 1961.

A total of 340 swimming certificates for distances between
25 yards and one mile were issued during the year
1961. 4 Primary Schools continued winter swimming during
the Spring and Autumn Terms, 1961.
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